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In the second episode of Celebrity Race Across The World the teams travelled to Lencois in the Bahia region of Brazil. Journeying along the coast or through the spectacular National Park of Chapada Dos Veadeiros one thing became quickly apparent... distances in Brazil are vast but, time permitting, every day will reveal a new experience, landscape and sense of fiesta. A well-planned trip, such as those designed by our destination experts, are essential to maximise your time in the country and to embrace the opportunities and experiences your travels afford.
Below we have detailed some tips and thoughts from our destination specialists.
"Parts of the region that were featured in Celebrity Race Across The World this week are far more accessible and closer to Europe than you would think." The north east corner of Brazil at Recife is one of the closest points to the European mainland in the Americas and the direct flight time from Lisbon to Recife is under 8 hours (even quicker coming home!).
"North east Brazil offers vibrant city-life, heritage and excitement at every turn." Exploring this diverse corner of Brazil will immerse you in the vibrant city of Recife with its beach front tower blocks, bustling side streets and joyous markets. The contemporary city is like a mirage to the former Portuguese capital of Brazil (Olinda) where Kola and Mary Ellen made a stop. What they didn't show you were the charming guest houses where you can stay in Olinda to really relax and absorb the history with stunning views of the Atlantic.
"A short flight from Recife will take you to the island gem of Fernando de Noronha which is a protected paradise." Here they protect Birds of Paradise and boast a magical underwater world fringed by the most rich golden beaches of the world to admire Spiniker dolphins frolicking and hunting at dawn. There are some charming small lodges on the island. If you'd prefer not to take any other flights but would like a beach relaxation then the small resort town of Porto de Galinhas is an hour from Recife and is fabulous for a very authentic Brazilian chill out.
"For all art and culture lovers don't miss the Ricardo Brennand Institute."
Natal lies on the Atlantic coast of the South American continent. This city is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte (“Great River of the North”), a state located in the northeasternmost tip of Brazil. Natal is known for its sun-kissed beaches, nature areas, and famous historical sites. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the beaches and other wonderful attractions that the state has to offer.
Quixadá is a municipality in the state of Ceará. It is known for its unusual rock formations, known locally as monoliths.
Juazeiro do Norte is best known as the base of the charismatic priest and politician Padre Cícero (Cícero Romão Batista) (1844-1934). A pilgrimage in his honour takes place every November, attracting thousands of followers.
Recife is the state capital of Pernambuco, close to Brazil’s easternmost point. Modern and bustling, it contrasts wonderfully with its neighbour, Olinda, seemingly frozen in the sixteenth century.
Indeed Olinda is a magnet for many visitors here, and with good reason. Founded in 1534 by the Portuguese, its colonial cobbled alleys make it a photographer’s dream and have earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also less than five miles from central Recife, whose glass skyscrapers create a distant counterpoint to the up-and-down streets and orange rooftops that feel untouched for centuries.
Surrounded by the staggeringly beautiful scenery of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, Lencois’s cobbled streets, colonial architecture and delightful cafes make this a charming place to explore, though the real attraction lies in the limestone caves, table mountains, forested valleys and waterfalls of the park.
How do I travel from the UK to Brazil?
Direct flights operate from the UK to Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro. Indirect flights opens up further gateways including Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Fortaleza and Belem.
When is the best time to travel to Brazil?
Due to its sheer size the country can be visited all year round. The Pantanal, for example, has two distinct seasons - the wet season (October to March) and the dry season (April-September).
How easy is it to travel to different regions in Brazil?
As the fifth largest country in the world, the scale of Brazil is immense. If you then consider that almost 80% of the country is uninhabited and its population is 25 per km2, it becomes clear that the population is concentrated along the coast in its cities, leaving the inland regions largely wilderness and areas dominated by nature and wildlife. The country has rail networks along the coast; elsewhere long distance bus transfers and domestic flights are utilised. A flight from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu takes 2 hours 15 minutes and from Rio to Manaus 4 hours.
Is English widely spoken in Brazil?
Some 5% of the Brazilian population speak English, but this percentage increases with those in the tourism industry. A few words in Portuguese or Latin based languages such as Spanish or Italian will ease conversation locally. Sunvil can arrange private guides and include English speaking transfer drivers for our guests as standard.
What places would you recommend for a first time visitor?
Our Classic Brazil itinerary is a great introduction to Brazil and includes stays in Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu and Manaus in the Amazon Basin.
Can you tailor-make a trip for me?
Of course, this is our expertise and we'd love to assist. We have explored Brazil far and wide and, alongside our local partners, can design the perfect trip for you.
22nd August 2024
Sunvil's holidays are designed by passionate travellers just like you. Our reservations experts and product teams, many of whom have been with us for many years, are passionate about our destinations and, through their personal, first-hand knowledge can answer any questions that you may have. They are well qualified to advise and recommend, based on your own holiday criteria. We can point you to those special, little-known places, some not found even in guidebooks.
Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on
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